There is described a binding resin for nonwoven fabrics, in particular for manufacturing supports for bituminous membranes, consisting of 100% natural, sustainable raw materials. The resin is an aqueous solution consisting of starch, a crosslinking agent of natural origin and a catalyst.

A method of forming an asphalt mixture can include mixing a bio-source material and a bitumen source to form a bitumen mixture. The bitumen mixture can be mixed with a catalyst to form the asphalt mixture. Particles can be added to the asphalt mixture to form a roofing-grade asphalt mixture. In an embodiment, the bitumen source material can have a softening point of at least approximately 93 C. and a penetration distance no greater than approximately 25 dmm. In another embodiment, the roofing-grade asphalt mixture can have a softening point of at least approximately 104 C., a penetration distance no greater than approximately 12 dmm, a viscosity of at least approximately 3000 cps at a temperature of 204 C., or any combination thereof. The asphalt mixture can be applied to a base material to form a roofing product. The asphalt mixture can be applied as a pavement product.

A method for preparing a roofing membrane in the form of a roll, comprising the steps of: providing a polymeric membrane; providing a fabric having a coating disposed thereon; attaching the polymeric membrane to the fabric to form a composite; and rolling the composite. Wherein the coating includes expandable graphite dispersed within a binder.

A method for preparing a roofing membrane in the form of a roll, comprising the steps of: providing a polymeric membrane; providing a fabric having a coating disposed thereon; attaching the polymeric membrane to the fabric to form a composite; and rolling the composite. Wherein the coating includes expandable graphite dispersed within a binder.

A non-asphaltic breathable sheet is provided that includes at least one breathable polymer layer and at least one nonwoven layer. The breathable sheet may include an open-mesh reinforcing fabric embedded in a breathable polymer layer. The breathable sheet has an advantageous balance of strength, water resistance, and permeability to water vapor.

A method for generating a shingle roof coating is described. The method includes receiving an asphalt feedstock and separately proceeds to mix an elastomeric polymer and an asphalt flux to generate a first concentrate. The first concentrate is then heated separately from the asphalt feedstock. The method then mixes the first concentrate with the asphalt feedstock and heats the combined first concentrate and the asphalt feedstock to generate the shingle roof coating. The amount of elastomeric polymer in the first concentrate is adjusted based on the type of asphalt feedstock such that the resulting shingle roof coating includes 0.5% to 6% by weight of the elastomeric polymer.

A method of forming a roofing-grade asphalt mixture can include mixing a bio-asphalt including a partially oxidized bio-source material, a bitumen source material different from the bio-asphalt, and particles to form the roofing-grade asphalt mixture. In an embodiment, the bitumen source material can have a softening point of at least approximately 102 C. and a penetration distance no greater than approximately 20 dmm. In another embodiment, the roofing-grade asphalt mixture can have a softening point of at least approximately 104 C., a penetration distance no greater than approximately 12 dmm, a viscosity of at least approximately 3000 cps at a temperature of 177 C., or any combination thereof. The roofing-grade asphalt mixture can be applied to a base material to form a roofing product.

Asphalt-based roofing materials, such as shingles, are disclosed that include a layer of parting material. The layer of parting material is applied to at least a part of the top, bottom, or both the top and the bottom of the shingle. When the shingle includes the parting material on the bottom, the layer of parting material replaces all or a portion of a backdust layer. When the shingle includes the layer of parting material on the top, the layer of parting material replaces a portion of granules on the shingle. The layer of parting material can be applied to the shingle in patterns and configurations that permit an adhesive to be applied to the shingle and function as intended. The parting material may include a metal salt of a fatty acid, a polyolefin, and/or a crosslinkable silane

A composite laminate comprising at least one moisture vapor permeable nonwoven sheet having first and second surfaces and a fluorinated polymeric coating on the first surface of the sheet wherein (i) the fluorinated polymeric coating is present in an amount such that the total fluorine content of the coated non-woven sheet is 0.05 to no greater than 0.4 gsm, and (ii) the composite laminate, after exposure to wet timber, exhibits a retained hydrohead of at least 60 percent.

A composite laminate comprising at least one moisture vapor permeable nonwoven sheet having first and second surfaces and a fluorinated polymeric coating on the first surface of the sheet wherein (i) the fluorinated polymeric coating is present in an amount such that the total fluorine content of the coated non-woven sheet is 0.05 to no greater than 0.4 gsm, and (ii) the composite laminate, after exposure to wet timber, exhibits a retained hydrohead of at least 60 percent.